Painting exhibition

Press, 1 September 1982, Page 14

Painting exhibition

“Still Life in the Age of Rembrandt," at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, until September 26. Reviewed by David Brokenshire.

This is a magnificent exhibition of 45 Dutch paintings of the seventeenth century which have been gathered together from public and private collections in the Netherlands, Britain. Austria, and the United States. Also included are 13 prints and five emblem and herbal books.

The works cover the whole of the seventeenth century and reflect the progression from stark simple subjects to elaborate sumptuous set pieces.

The earlier paintings are in low-keyed colour, often quite dark’ showing fruit and cheese, breakfast pieces, and kitchen still life. By the middle of the century the taste has become more extravagant and elegant containers, fine glassware, and exotic delicacies are shown.

At the end of the period elaborate and rich showpieces of floral art are painted, and there is an exuberance in the colour and paint. These paiintings were not intended solely for the nobility or princes of the Church but for the adornment of the homes of wealthy merchants.

Today with photographs and television we are accustomed to realistic images. Just think of the joy these paintings must have given and indeed continue to give — fur on the animals so real it almost must be stroked, flowers capturing all their delicacy of form and colour, and showing even the bloom on those wonderful grapes. Do not be put off by the symbolism in the paintings which has been extolled by the art historians. Understanding this surely gives an added dimension to these pictures, but primarily this is an exhibition of simple objects depicted with amazing skill for the delight of all.